Needlestick injuries and hepatitis B immunization in Florida paramedics: a statewide survey

To determine the incidence of needlestick injury among paramedics working in Florida during 1987, to describe the circumstances surrounding such injuries, and to assess the hepatitis B vaccination status of this group.

Survey of a systematic random sample of paramedics using a self-administered questionnaire.

Florida.

Paramedics.

A completed questionnaire was returned by 300 of 500 paramedics (60%) who received the mailed questionnaire. Sixty-nine paramedics (23%) reported a total of 110 needlestick injuries. More than one third of injuries occurred in conjunction with recapping needles. Almost 62% of reported injuries could have been prevented had proper needle disposal technique been used. Sixty-two percent of paramedics reported having had at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Sixty-five percent of the unvaccinated paramedics said they would take the hepatitis B vaccine if it was offered free.

The majority of needlestick injuries among paramedics in Florida could be prevented with proper needle disposal. Offering the hepatitis B vaccine at no charge to paramedics in Florida could increase the vaccination rate substantially.